By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Nedbank Eswatini Imvelo MTB Classic will be attended by cyclists from neighbouring countries, Mozambique and South Africa with the locals not being left out.
The annual event is billed for June 8 at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Registration for the event closes on Friday (May 31, 2024). The cycling event is open to all mountain biking enthusiasts, seasoned pros or a thrill-seeking beginner, to join for an unforgettable weekend of adrenaline, camaraderie and breathtaking scenery.
The event has four categories being the 65km Classic, 35km Challenge, 22km Family and the12.5km Hoglet. Registration is open for the event and cyclists pay E460 for the 65km, E400 for the 35km, E280 for the 22km and E240 for the 12.5km. The first race will start at 7:30am with the last category at 9:20am.
“Currently we have over 250 entries across all four categories. We are encouraging those that have entered and not paid to make payment before the 5th June 2024 so they can secure their space. Excited to note we have Mozambique cyclist and South African cyclist coming through again this year,” reads a statement from the Big Games Park.
All participants will get a goodie bag and the biggest race (65km) get free cycling jerseys. Cyclist are requested to bring their cycling licences and if they do have the cycling association will be part of the registration team from the June 6, 2024 at Mlilwane Game Sanctuary (Esangweni Gate) where they will be issuing temporal licence at E50 for the day.
The statement reads that the event was a family event so also inviting non-cyclist to come through and experience the different stalls that will be provided varying from kiddies zone, food stalls, homemade ice cream, bakers corner, imbali gin, wine boutique just to mention a few.
The event started as Ngulube MTB Classic, the first mountain bike race in Eswatini in 2000, Mlilwane’s annual bike race changed its name to Imvelo MTB Classic in 2004. The entries are capped to ensure the race is maintained with fabulous personality and the lowest possible environmental impact.
The event follows the Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA) Road National Championships that were held last month. Next after the Nedbank Imvelo Classic will be the Alphz Border2Border Cycling Tour set for Ngwenya Border Posts to Lavumisa Border Post on June 15, 2024.
